One project I’ve been working on for the past couple years is placing historic sacred sculpture in the middle of nowhere then creating panoramic landscape photographs of it. I’ve placed 10 pieces so far, in 5 different states. I have shot them with a panoramic camera (film is still made for it!), and I’m making available GSP prints on Fujichrome Supergloss. 3′x9′ shimmering iridescent windowpanes: very stark and seductive in person. Limited editions of 10.
Very intensive process. I source original iconic historic sculpture from classic civilizations around the world and recreate it in oil clay, about 5′ tall. Then I make a multi-part mold and cast multiples–five of each–using traditional english cast-stone techniques. I then search for the perfect spot in the public wilderness, away from roads or trails; this takes about a week for each piece. Then I gather a crew and we haul it overland (with no motorized vehicle) to the site and erect it. This is no mean feat as they weigh 600lbd apiece! I then camp out for a few days and awaken before dawn and stay after dusk to capture an atmospheric image on film. My goal is to place pieces all across the country, giving people the opportunity to discover it on their own, allowing the element of surprise to spark their sense of wonder.
My intent is to create an opportunity for random discovery; a single moment of surprise that can spark someone’s wonder and give one pause for thought. This series is about discovery and surprise, which can challenge our assumptions about the confluence of nature and culture. Hoping to awaken the historic connection between culture and nature, I borrow wilderness to reinterpret it as sacred space. Ultimately I am setting the stage for personal discovery and revelation.
Very intensive process. I source original iconic historic sculpture from classic civilizations around the world and recreate it in oil clay, about 5′ tall. Then I make a multi-part mold and cast multiples–five of each–using traditional english cast-stone techniques. I then search for the perfect spot in the public wilderness, away from roads or trails; this takes about a week for each piece. Then I gather a crew and we haul it overland (with no motorized vehicle) to the site and erect it. This is no mean feat as they weigh 600lbd apiece! I then camp out for a few days and awaken before dawn and stay after dusk to capture an atmospheric image on film. My goal is to place pieces all across the country, giving people the opportunity to discover it on their own, allowing the element of surprise to spark their sense of wonder.
My intent is to create an opportunity for random discovery; a single moment of surprise that can spark someone’s wonder and give one pause for thought. This series is about discovery and surprise, which can challenge our assumptions about the confluence of nature and culture. Hoping to awaken the historic connection between culture and nature, I borrow wilderness to reinterpret it as sacred space. Ultimately I am setting the stage for personal discovery and revelation.
